Camping with the puppy..

So let me just explain that normally we go camping for New Years. This year we were forced to go during Christmas since we both have to work the day after New Years day. I have a picture of grumpy drinking his coffee..






Capone was lucky enough to join us on our Thanksgiving trip to the Smoky Mountains.


Since he was so good we decided to give him a try on a camping trip.

This year we went to Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka Florida. They had so many trails for hiking, biking and
horseback riding.







We decided to hike the White Blaze trail which took us almost all day. We saw so many different terrains in our 13.5 mile hike.









The dog surprised us by keeping up the whole way. He stayed right by our sides.


He did decide he wanted to roll in the mud to get cool. At night he kept quiet and slept so he has won himself a lifetime of us taking him on future camping trips.











The springs area was beautiful.

We had lunch by the springs and walked on the board walk before moving on to Sand Lake.
This was a really nice and quiet area. It was hard keeping Capone away from the water.











He wanted to go swimming and become gator bait.












We headed back home after that.

Next year I look forward to Joaquin and Karen joining us.. Mark your calenders guys!! New Years camping is back on in 2009!!

The Spirit of New Orleans..

New Orleans is always a fun place to visit. The flights were tight so I sent Jesse ahead while I tried the next 3 flights for availability. I ended up getting there by 6:30 pm and Jesse had checked in and had wine waiting when I walked in the door. We listened to some great blues music that night. Sunday was spent riding the trolley through the garden district and stopping at the Audubon Park. From there we walked about 4 miles through the district looking at all the houses.











After a short rest it was off to the French Market and Jackson Square where the local artists sell their art.










A friend of mine told me to go to the Cafe Du Monde for Biegnets and coffee. I recommend it to everyone.
That night we hit Harrah's Casino and made 120 dollars on roulette. Feeling good we walked away and had dinner at ACME. After it was scary hurricane drinks and since we didn't remember much after that we have pictures to fill in the blanks. I guess I was playing the water glasses with Santa before getting back to the hotel.
Monday we walked around the water and spent some time at the cemeteries.

Lunch was spent at Johnny's eating the best Po Boys around. Tuesday came and even though I was exhausted I wanted to stay a little longer.

Let the holidays begin!!

We finally got the lights out and set up the courtyard. We are ready for Christmas!!

Back to reality after a week of vacation..

I don't know what it is but vacation goes by way too fast. Day 1 we left early on Saturday morning, stopping to see Savannah Georgia. It was a beautiful city with lots of little squares and old buildings and the cemetery looked more like a park. We arrived in Canton (near Asheville) around 6:45 pm at Wanda's house, who was nice enough to invite us up for the holidays.
Day 2 we drove to Grandfather Mountain with my dad to do some hiking and walk across the swinging bridge.

The blue ridge parkway was closed due to a rock slide so we didn't get to drive it.







We also stopped and hiked 3 miles to Linville Falls. The view was amazing with lots of snow on the ground.





Day 3 was our day in downtown Asheville. First stop was the Arts District where the local artists create and sell their goods. In the city we walked several blocks. We ate lunch and drank beer.
Day 4 we drove over the Smoky Mountains and did some hiking on the Tennessee side.







The hike was to Laurel Falls. The dog had a blast since we took him off the leash and let him hike the trail on his own. We arrived at my mom's house around 4:30 and relaxed for the day.
Day 5 my mom , Ricky, Jesse and myself walked through Gatlinburg and had lunch. We took the ski lift to the top of the mountain to take in all the wonderful views. After much shopping we drove through the park for a few hours and through Pigeon Forge.
Day 6 was Thanksgiving so lots of eating and being lazy along with a serious game of Monopoly. Wanda fixed a great Thanksgiving feast. Katie, her boyfriend and a few friends were there as well.

Day 7 we hiked through Chimney Rock and several trails.








We packed a lunch and ate by the falls. We decided to drive through Black Mountain and walk around this cute little town. Stopping only for a few brews and a few games of Foosball.
Day 7 was the long drive home....

Girls Day!!!

At my place of work if you don't take all your time off you will lose it. So the girls decided to take a day off together. Brenda and I left the house early to meet Lisa at the beach. We had a extremely relaxing day considering none of us stopped talking for 5 hours straight.
We made a gallon of a alcoholic beverage and drank all day. We ate lunch at the patio bar on Deerfield Beach and had ice cream at Ben and Jerry's. This was a well deserved and relaxing girls day. I need to do this more often..

Our second Peace River trip of the year...

Jesse's mom flew in for the trip and partnered up with my dad. Every trip seems to have a different group of people. Usually it's more women than men but, this time we had a huge group of guys. Most of them were people that Tim works with. I couldn't begin to tell you every one's name but I do remember a few. This group was alot of fun and I hope they join us for more trips.

The first day of paddling was great and one canoe capsized. It was hilarious except that they lost alot of food and drinks. Luckily everyone brought more than enough so no one went without... That night I had trouble sleeping and I was not the only one. There was snoring from at least 3 tents and it kept the raccoons away. I left a bag open with all the food in it and thought for sure it was going to be gone in the morning. Someone else left out steak on the picnic table and even that was still there in the morning.

I have a great picture of all the guys trying to fit 4 boats side by side under the bridge. I have to tell you it did not go so well... lolol The gators were also out in full force Sunday morning.My dad and Pam had such a great time that they will be there for the next one in March or April.